Description
My name is Mali Allison; a psychologist by training and a writer by passion. Recently, I misanalyzed a situation to the point of being in a deep mess. And I thought I was so clear-sighted! That's how the Camino Francés in Spain called me back for a month-long leisurely walk. A priori, I knew what to expect; with my New Balance 574 on my feet, I would reflect while walking at the rhythm of the three challenges - physical, psychological, and spiritual - that dot Compostela, in an enriching symbiosis with other novice pilgrims. I planned, in my spare time, to drink exquisite wine, distribute bracelets as yellow as the arrows greeting us at every turn, and unburden my heavy emotional baggage at the Cruz de Ferro. Thank you, good night! However, that was not the Camino's plan for me. Instead, I faced the physical challenge of dancing a swing, burdened by an unexpected grumpiness more trying than all my aches and pains combined, before seeing big-toothed ghosts from the past come to haunt me during my entire psychological challenge. For dessert, I glimpsed the impermanence of life in gray eyes, then waltzed with a bird as a spiritual challenge. Quite a program. What I take away from this maelstrom is that before wanting to "pilgrim," you first have to know how to dance with or without a stork!
